Andrew Bynum Says Kobe Bryant Stunted His Development

Andrew Bynum was once a prized possession in Los Angeles. The Lakers envisioned him as a dominant low-post player who could compliment Kobe Bryant's play on a nightly basis. They pictured a more functional version of Shaq and Kobe. However, Bynum battled injuries his entire time in Los Angeles and never reached his full potential. But Bynum did notice something while playing with the Lakers. Kobe Bryant kept him from reaching his full potential.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles said Bynum talked to a group of reporters yesterday and made the claim that playing with Kobe Bryant stunted his development. He said that Bryant is a player who dominates the ball and that kept Bynum from reaching his full potential.

"I thought it really helped me a lot obviously at first, because he draws so much attention it's hard for guys to double team and key on you, so it helped me tremendously," Bynum said. "Later, I felt I was able to get the ball more and do more things with the ball, so I could definitely see how it could stunt growth."

And for his part in all this, Bryant agreed. He was not offended by the comments, and he does feel that Bynum may not have been able to show his off his true talents.

"For sure, because when you're playing with me you obviously have to sacrifice something," Bryant said when asked about whether he stunted Bynum's development.

Of course, the main reason Bynum has not quite reached his full potential is due to injuries. The new Philadelphia 76ers center dealt with knee problems in Los Angeles, and those problems are continuing in Philadelphia. He has not yet played a game for the 76ers. But when he does return, he will be given the opportunity to back up his comments and prove what type of player he will be without Bryant. Follow @hoopsinjurynews